Every year as the month of Ramzan rolls in, a different kind of excitement kicks in.
Growing up, for as long as I can remember, Ramzan was always very festive. There was always hustle bustle.
RAMZAN GROWING- UP:
From the anticipation of Moon Sighting announcement by the Ruet-E-Hilal Committee to the Dhol Wala (Drum Guy) sauntering the empty streets in the middle of the night, howling along the bhangra beats “Time to wake up and eat” to standing in the chaotic lines trying to beat the crowd to the get the fresh batch of Samosas and Kachoris.
Ramzan was a super happening month, full of color and noise
and…
Then I moved to the US.
RAMZAN ABROAD:
I clearly remember my first Ramzan because it did not feel anything like my Ramzan growing up.
It was quiet…there was no noise.
I remember trying my best to bring the feeling I grew up with by doing little things.
It started with calling family members and friends back home wishing them Ramzan Mubarak. Back then you had to buy international calling cards/ online minutes to talk to folks back home. Whatsapp and Viber were not born yet. Other small things included turning up the volume of the Azan Clock and posting the Namaz (Prayer) schedule on the refrigerator (which I still do).
MY IFTAR/ SUHOOR TABLE:
Apart from my spiritual journey, during all my years abroad, there has been one thing which has kept me directly connected to my roots and that is my Suhoor/Iftar Table. It one of the biggest things which I really look forward to during this month as it makes me super happy and reminds me of Ramzan at Bari Ami’s (grandma) and Ami’s (mom) home.
Given the vast diversity of Muslims spread all over the world, everyone follows the traditions of their area hence the iftar and suhoor tables might look different.
For me, the food choices have pretty much been the same…somedays a whole spread of iftar items while other days straight dinner. A big Sehri/ Suhoor on the weekends and a lighter version on the weekdays.
No matter what you eat, the best thing is the love with which the food is prepared and the warmth of the blessings which are showered when the family sits together to start or break the fast. This my friends is reminiscent of my Ramzan back home.
PREPPING FOR RAMZAN:
Some of you, like me, welcome Ramzan with eating or rather gorging food items till the first Roza announcement is made. Anybody observing me would think like I will be abstaining from food during this blessed month ;).
Other people prepare for Ramzan by giving up caffeine items and other things for fewer headaches or heaviness.
Then, of course, there are sooo many pieces of advice like “eat this to feel less hungry” or “drink that to feel less thirsty”. I promise you that I have not tried 99.9% of them so I cannot tell you if any of those work. Please let me know some of your tried and tested ones.
RAMZAN-A MONTH OF PURIFICATION:
Ramzan is a month of Enlightenment, a time of Purification of the soul.
For one whole month, Muslims all around the world work hard to get as much cash in the forms of blessings as they can and try to load their Spiritual Bank Accounts. Everyone tries to give it their best shot. We see this in the form of Ibadahs (prayer), Zikr (remembrance), doing good deeds, charity, donating food/clothes and soo much more. Something special happens during this month. It’s like a switch flips to MUST DO GOOD” and everyone follows.
CHILDHOOD MEMORY:
Growing up, I did not go to the Masjid to pray, as it was not the trend back then. The only time we would go, was for the Eid Prayers. There would a special setup for women. The only other memory I have is when I was around 6 or 7 years old accompanying my father to the masjid for a special event of Lailatul Qadr. I remember the Masjid was lit up with lights and was full of people and kids and there was soo much festivity.
I clearly recall reciting Surah Qadr and getting Balushahi (a traditional dessert) in a brown paper bag as a reward. Surprisingly the taste of that night is still fresh in my mind.
Moving to the US gave me a chance to pray at the Masjid more often. In fact, Masjid is the best place to meet new people especially if you are new to the area and do not know anyone.
Initially, after moving, Ramzan was quiet…. then I had kids and for for the first few years, life got busy and Ramzan just came and went.
Don’t get me wrong, the fasting was there, the table was there, the prayers were there but my Spiritual connection was lost.
It was only after the kids got a tad bit older that I met Ramzan again and it was the most satisfying feeling ever.
FAMILY GOALS:
I really look forward to Ramzan as every year, me and my husband make specific goals and it is silly seeing how competitive we get as to who will attain them first. It honestly feels like two kids in school trying to get to the finish line first. But the best thing is that it pushes both of us to learn more….to do more good.
Do you make Ramzan specific goals?
RAMZAN AND KIDS:
The other important thing I learned on the way is that, if you have kids and you want them to follow you on your Ramzan journey, there is no point telling them over and over to do it. It is mere words for them. You have to become a role model for them. Try to pray in front of them, similarly, do your Zikr/ read the Quran in their presence. This in no way is showing off, in fact, this is how they learn. Asking them to join when you have already presented a good role model for them has better chances of success.
Trust me when your kids will join you on this journey, that feeling of happiness will be far superior to any of their worldly triumph.
Make their Ramzan journey colorful and celebratory. Never discourage them. Reward or praise them for every good thing they do no matter how small. It is this praise/ reward which will grow their confidence and they will be excited to do more and more. Start young.
Talk to them, and discuss things with them but most importantly listen to them too.
NON-VERBAL KIDS:
On that note, if you have a non-verbal or semi-verbal kid, never underestimate their receptive language and keep on repeating small duas or even a single word zikr with them. They might not repeat it but their brain is absorbing all of it and you never know one day they might start saying it out loud too.
As time goes on and the seasons of life change so does the feeling during Ramzan. As you grow so does your learning and understanding. At one point when you were a kid, your parents were the ones guiding you and you absorbed and observed everything. As time goes on and you yourself become parents, you will be the ones passing on all the knowledge and traditions to your kids and the cycle will keep on repeating. Make sure to do your part to the fullest so that the importance of Ramzan does not get lost from one generation to the other.
LAST 10 DAYS:
Step up your game during the last ten days.
Try to have a plan and be consistent in your ibadah so that you do not miss out Laylatul Qadr.
We make soo many efforts when planning a vacation, or when attending a party or standing in long queues to get to the sporting event or a concert.
Now can you imagine an event far far bigger, in fact of humongous magnitude?
Ask for whatever your heart desires but also take time to reflect and be thankful for everything you are already blessed with.
Most importantly, seek forgiveness.
Blessed are the people who get Ramzan in their lives and make the most out of it.
Celebrate this month to your fullest. Decorate your homes, purify your lives, enjoy good food and good company.
IN A NUTSHELL:
Have pure intentions and no matter what other people are doing or saying, you try your best to make yourself rich this month. Be role models for your kids and sometimes for your partner 🙂
Even after soo many years abroad I still miss Ramzan back home but making small changes like the ones mentioned above I have been able to bring Ramzan Vibes back and so can you. Re-create what you miss most and a part of nostalgia will walk right out and become your everyday reality.
Try to seize every moment to pray, to recite the Quran and make duas. For some, this might be easy while for others, hard, the goal is just to be consistent.
Challenge yourself to do more this year than you did last year.
We don’t know how many Ramzan we will get so treat this one like it is your last….REALLY!!!!
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